Actress Demi Moore has been making waves recently for her performance in Coralie Fargeat’s The Substance, but many may not realize that her first leading role was also in another sci-fi horror film.
Before rising to fame with hits like St. Elmo’s Fire, Ghost, and A Few Good Men, Moore made her leading-role debut in the 1982 film Parasite. This early role not only highlighted her acting talent but also brings her career full circle within the science fiction horror genre, culminating in her recent success with The Substance.
The Plot of Parasite
Not to be confused with Bong Joon-ho’s 2019 Oscar-winning film of the same name, this Parasite is a 1982 sci-fi horror film directed by Charles Band. The film is set in a post-apocalyptic desert world where a ruthless new organization called the Merchants forces scientist Paul Dean (Robert Glaudin) to develop a deadly parasite to control the population. When Dr. Dean realizes the fatal effects of such an organism, he escapes the control of the Merchants yet is infected by a parasite in the process. While on the run, the parasite attaches itself to Dean’s stomach. But when Dean is attacked by a local group of criminals who steal another parasite, he realizes he must find the other stolen parasite before the one currently laying dormant in his stomach kills him.
In the film, Moore stars as Patricia Welles, a lemon farmer who aids the scientist after the ragtag group of criminals attacks him. Determined to help, Welles vows to assist Dean in tracking down and destroying the stolen parasite before it causes further harm to not only their little town but the entire country. Released when Moore was just twenty years old, Parasite marked her first leading role, years before her rise to mainstream fame.
What Did Moore Think of the Film?
In a humorous interview with James Corden back in October of 2019 on his show’s “Spill Your Guts or Fill Your Guts” segment, Demi called Parasite, especially the 3-D version, the worst film she has ever been in. While the low-budget B-horror flick may fall short in several areas, it still offers an interesting dive into body horror and creature feature territory. The film includes campy, yet grotesque fleshy slug-like creatures which many of the characters have to fend off. Although a part of the low quality effects, there are also some fun scenes with stomachs bursting open from the slimy parasite.
Despite Moore’s comment, Parasite serves as a fascinating glimpse into her early career. Her natural screen presence and striking beauty are a key highlight of her inevitable success in the entertainment industry. While the film is not the scariest horror film, it is undeniably fun to watch Moore find her footing in the world of acting.
The Substance
For those who have not seen The Substance, the film follows an aging actress Elisabeth Sparkle (Moore) who finds herself slipping from the spotlight after being fired by her boss from her own aerobics show. Desperate to reclaim her youth and revive her career, Sparkle injects herself with a mysterious serum purchased off the black market. The drug creates a younger version of herself (Margaret Qualley), but not without some pretty shocking and grotesque side effects.
The Oscars have a well-known reputation for neglecting horror films, often dismissing dark, yet brilliant, thought-provoking stories from visionary storytellers, as well as terrifying and convincing performances by actors in the genre. However, Fargeat’s film was nominated for Best Picture, Best Director (Coralie Fargeat), Best Original Screenplay, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, and Best Actress in a Leading Role (Demi Moore) at the Oscars. The film also received numerous nominations at the Golden Globes, Critics’ Choice Awards, and BAFTAs, marking a significant achievement for an independent horror film.
Moore’s Speech at the Golden Globes
“Oh wow, I really wasn’t expecting that. I’m just in shock right now. I’ve been doing this a long time, like over 45 years, and this is the first time I’ve ever won anything as an actor. And I am just so humbled and so grateful.”
Demi Moore
Moore kicked off her award season with a win for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy Motion Picture at the Golden Globes. In her acceptance speech, Moore discussed how this was the first award she has ever won as an actor. Moore also described how she had a former producer tell her she was a “popcorn actress.” That she was someone who was not worthy of awards and success.
She went on to say, “In those moments when we don’t think we are smart enough or pretty enough or skinny enough or successful enough or basically just not enough, I had a woman say to me “just know you will never be enough, but you can know the value of your worth if you just put down the measuring stick.’”
The Oscars
The 97th Academy Awards, hosted by Conan O’Brien on March 2nd, featured one of the most competitive Best Actress categories in recent years, with nominees including Cynthia Erivo, Karla Sofía Gascón, Mikey Madison, Demi Moore, and Fernanda Torres. While the award went to Mikey Madison for her fantastic performance in Sean Baker’s Anora, many fans pointed out the similarity to the plot of The Substance. One X user wrote: “wow demi moore getting passed up for a younger brighter star someone should make a movie about this.”
While Demi Moore did not take home an Oscar for her performance in The Substance, her award season journey was nothing short of remarkable. Her decades-long career, filled with numerous cult classics and iconic roles, proves that she more than deserves every bit of praise she has received. Hopefully after the success of The Substance, the Academy will begin to take the horror genre more seriously, recognizing that it not only showcases powerful performances but also serves as a launching pad for many actors’ careers, just like Moore’s.
Parasite is available to stream for free on Plex.
The Substance is available to stream on Amazon Prime.
